Saint-Charles

Saint-Charles metro station

Saint-Charles metro station is located in Marseille, France. It is one of the city’s most important stations and serves several metro lines. It is located on line 1 of the Marseille metro, which runs from La Fourragère to La Timone metro station. Saint-Charles station is also the departure point for metro line 2, which runs to Bougainville.

Saint-Charles metro station is special in that it is close to Marseille-Saint-Charles station, the city’s main railway station. The metro station is integrated into the station complex, making it easy for passengers to transfer between trains and the metro.

Because of its central location, Saint-Charles metro station is an important departure or arrival point for many of Marseille’s residents and visitors. It is close to several of the city’s major tourist attractions, such as the Vieux Port and the Panier district.

The station is part of a seven-storey underground structure built underneath the Gare Saint-Charles station. As well as the metro halls and tracks, it includes two levels of parking, RTM offices and a road tunnel.

The station is mainly decorated in turquoise. Passengers on line 1 can access the station via a central platform, while those on line 2 use the side platforms. These are decorated with frescoes on the theme of rail transport: one depicts a Pacific steam locomotive from the Compagnie des chemins de fer PLM and the other a TGV Sud-Est train in its original orange livery.

Inauguration of the station

The Saint-Charles metro station in Marseille was inaugurated on 26 November 1977. It was part of the first line of the Marseille metro, also known as line 1. This initial line linked the La Rose metro station to the Saint-Charles metro station. Since its inauguration, Saint-Charles metro station has been a major hub in Marseille’s public transport network.

Where does the name come from?

Saint-Charles metro station takes its name from the nearby Marseille-Saint-Charles station. Marseille-Saint-Charles station is the city’s main railway station and is named after the old district in which it is located, known as Saint-Charles.

The Saint-Charles district takes its name from the former church of Saint-Charles-Borromée, which was destroyed in the 19th century. The church was dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, a 16th-century Italian cardinal known for his work to reform the Catholic Church and promote education.

The Saint-Charles metro station was named after the eponymous station and the historic district of Saint-Charles in Marseille.

Where to go from Saint-Charles ?

From Marseille’s Saint-Charles metro station, you can get to many interesting places in the city. Here are a few suggestions:

• Vieux-Port: Get off at Vieux-Port metro station, located just two stops from Saint-Charles station. You can enjoy views of the port, stroll along the quay, visit the fish market and explore the many restaurants and shops.
• Le Panier: Get off at Joliette metro station, three stops from Saint-Charles, to reach the Panier district. This is Marseille’s oldest district, with its picturesque alleyways, art galleries, cafés and craft shops.
• Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Take bus 60 from Gare Saint-Charles to the Notre-Dame de la Garde stop. The basilica is perched on a hill and offers incredible panoramic views over the city.
• Parc Longchamp: Get off at the Cinq-Avenues-Longchamp metro station, three stops from Saint-Charles, to visit the magnificent Parc Longchamp. Here you can admire the Palais Longchamp, the landscaped gardens and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
• The Calanques: Take the 21 bus from Saint-Charles station to Luminy metro station, then follow the signs to Marseille’s Calanques. These rock formations along the Mediterranean coast offer spectacular natural scenery and are ideal for hiking and swimming.
• These suggestions are just a few of the many things you can do in Marseille from Saint-Charles metro station. The city is packed with sights, museums, lively districts, beaches and much more, all within easy reach of this central station.

Many public transport lines pass through Saint-Charles metro station: metros 1 and 2, 52, 56, 825, 509, 521, 533 and 582.

What’s nearby?

Saint-Charles metro station is located in a central area of Marseille, close to a variety of attractions and amenities. Here’s what you can find near this station:

• Marseille-Saint-Charles station: Marseille-Saint-Charles station is located right next to the metro station. This is Marseille’s main railway station, where many national and international trains arrive and depart. You can easily transfer between the metro and high-speed trains from this station.
• La Canebière: La Canebière is one of Marseille’s main thoroughfares, starting near Saint-Charles metro station. This lively avenue is lined with shops, cafés and restaurants and is an ideal starting point for exploring the city center.
• Quartier du Panier: Just a short walk from Saint-Charles station, you’ll find the Panier district. This is Marseille’s oldest district, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, art galleries and craft shops. It’s a charming place to stroll and discover the authentic atmosphere of the city.
• Opéra de Marseille: The Opéra de Marseille, also known as the Opéra Municipal, is close to the metro station. It offers a varied program of operas, ballets and concerts. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, this is a place not to be missed.
• Musée d’Histoire de Marseille: Not far from Saint-Charles station is the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille. This museum traces the history of the city from antiquity to the present day through archeological collections, objets d’art and interactive exhibitions.
• The Saint-Charles campus of the University of Aix-Marseille is nearby.

These are just a few examples of what you can find near Saint-Charles metro station in Marseille. As you explore the area further, you’ll discover other attractions, shops, restaurants and sites of cultural interest that make this part of the city so vibrant.